Sunday 11 November 2018

Meghan Joins the Royal Family for Remembrance Sunday

For the first time, the Duchess of Sussex attended Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph as a member of the Royal family.


Meghan joined Germany's first lady Elke Büdenbender on the balcony of the Foreign Office at Whitehall. It was a touching gesture as today marks the first time a representative of Germany has laid a wreath at the Cenotaph.


The Argus reports: "President Steinmeier’s presence was a symbol of the friendship that exists between the two countries today, a representative of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said."


As the clock struck eleven, a two-minute silence was observed. The silence represents the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, when the guns of Europe fell silent. The time is marked by the firing of a field gun on Horse Guards Parade. The ceremony was undoubtedly a poignant one for Meghan, especially given Harry's time in service.


Her Majesty with the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.


Prince Charles laid a wreath on behalf of his mother for the second consecutive year. An equerry laid a wreath on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh. Ahead of the ceremony, the Prince of Wales said: “We owe that enormous debt of gratitude to those who gave literally everything for our tomorrow. We don’t have enough moments of silence to reflect. It’s the greatest tribute you can pay.”


William and Harry lay their wreaths.


Prince Harry wore his Royal Marines uniform.


This year is particularly poignant marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.


On the 'eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month' in 1918 the Armistice was signed.


“The greatest day in the world's history. The armistice was signed at 5. a.m. & fighting ceased at 11… & at 11. we went on to the balcony” – Queen Mary writes in her diary on 11 November 1918. The flag below was waved by Queen Mary on Armistice Day.


The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall is a unique expression of homage devoted to the memory of those who have given their lives in war. It was originally conceived as a commemoration of the First World War's dead by King George V in 1919, but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the dead of both wars. Remembrance Day or Memorial Day is observed in Commonwealth countries.


An overview from the Cenotaph.


Beginning from Horse Guards Parade, today’s March past the Cenotaph was led by the Royal British Legion.


The March is an annual event for British and Commonwealth former military and civilian Service personnel to honour the fallen of the British Armed Forces involved in the two World Wars and all conflicts since.


The Argus reports:

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “To be at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday is a privilege and provides us with the opportunity for reflection along with millions of people in countries that continue to be strong allies.
“The First World War touched communities across the globe and I commend all those who have helped us remember the First World War generation.
“We will never forget them or the sacrifice of thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who have given their lives in other conflicts.”
Among the thousands paying their respects was Lieutenant Commander Sarah Bligh of the Royal Navy. She said it was her grandmother’s stories of the war that inspired her to join the forces. “The thought of it being 100 years is really poignant. I’ve got a photograph of my great grandfather taken 100 years ago to celebrate them all coming back from the war,” she said. “It’s incredible to be here 100 years on.”

The Duchess was sombre in a black coat with capelet detail for the event. Givenchy confirmed Clare Waight Keller designed the piece.


A closer look at Meghan's hat.


And Meghan's poppy. 


Lest we forget.


Harry and Meghan will join the Queen and other royals for a a service to mark the Centenary of the Armistice at Westminster Abbey at 6pm. The service will be televised on BBC One.

51 comments:

  1. Meghan looks nice...I love her poppy.

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  2. Glad to see her hair up and off the poppy - Meghan looks very nice. Other than the hair (a peeve with Kate in the past too) Meghan looked very nice yesterday too - a beautiful coat. On a day that is about peace and sacrifice to gain peace I don't even let sides of blogs divide us - so today I'll comment here as well.

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    1. Uh ... I wish the KP instagram commenters were the same way. Today is a day of remembrance and the pictures have had a volley of nasty comments towards both women. It's nuts and I can't believe KP hasn't shut down the comment ability yet because some of the comments are turning creepy. There was one comment which was deleted about ways they could make Meghan miscarry.

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    2. Oh no, Ivy! I think there is absolutely no excuse for the KP comment section. None.

      Classy outfit! I think Meghan's coat also has a military feel with the cape-like shoulders reminiscent of the epaulets on an officer dress uniform.
      By the way--of eight appearances at this ceremony, Kate wore hair that covered her poppy just once. Not a pattern or really even worthy of note, in my opinion--although criticized at the time to the point that I doubt any royal would make this error in future at this event.

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  3. She looks very tired, emotional and beautiful. Love her coat!

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  4. Love the coat...Givenchy? The scale and placement of the hat seem a bit off, although to be fair, it may just be the angle this particular picture was taken at. Meghan is still finding her way with hats (other than fedoras and baseball caps) and overall, so far so good.

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  5. Oh i love the duchess and she kinda tired but she looks beautiful and regal

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  6. Can't wait to see more of this coat dress. I love the cap over the shoulder. It's a nice detail on an otherwise simple design. Do you think she is doing her own make-up? It's very soft and tasteful. Something about that hat though??

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    1. I’m sorry, but I don’t really like the hat.

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    2. Her eye makeup looks lovely.

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    3. I'm not keen on the hat either Kiwi Gal and Laura, but I'm wondering if it's just because I don't think it works very well with this particular coat (which I really like). I think Kate's hat would have worked better with Meghan's outfit and Meghan's little cap might have worked better with Kate's more military coat. Wish I was better with Photoshop, I might have tried to cut them out and swap them over out of curiosity.

      Love Meghan's poppy today! I wonder whether she's managed to source one without plastic in the middle? That would be fantastic. I read somewhere today that years ago they used to be sold on a wire stem - I'd love to be able to buy them like that again.

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  7. This is the Duchess of Sussex I’ve been waiting to see. Meghan looks absolutely beautiful and very regal. I am happy she is learning the ropes very quickly it cannot be easy.

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  8. This is a huge thumbs up from me 👍. Sombre,elegant,simple. All the elements you want for a day like today. Looking forward to seeing her later on at Westminster Abbey.

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  9. I like this coat. Looks lovely. Would love to see a full view of it.

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  10. Meghan looks beautiful, if a bit tired. Love the more prominent placement of the poppy today. I also like her up-do. Her chignon looks so nice. And her hat game continues to be absolutely on point. She always manages to find the most adorable fascinators that enhance rather than overwhelm her face.

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    1. I agree. I think this hat is beautiful. It has a lovely, vintage feel to it, and I always love black velvet.

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    2. I agree, Meghan's hats are always so stylish and don't overwhelm her face or her outfit.

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  11. Thank you for the new link to Duchess Kate blog. I love clicking between the two pages.

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  12. The Duchess of Sussex is lovely and appropriately has a solemn look for the Remembrance occasion. The hat is tilted to the side per her choice and IMO, looks nice. Charlotte, thanks and after church services, I will check back in for the full post.

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  13. Now BP PO is thinking. The American Princess with The German First Lady. Very Poignant and no personal family issues with which to deal. I am very proud of all three countries standing for peace today. Never Forget.

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  14. I wonder why she was on a different balcony then the others. I like the detail on the jacket.

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    1. There has been quite a bit of changes as to who stand where since the DoE’s retirement.
      Normally there are 3 people per balcony. It used to be Kate, Camilla and Sophie on the main balcony (as the 3 most senior royal ladies) last year Kate and Sophie was on the balcony where Meghan was this year, while HM, DoE and Camilla were on the main balcony. My guess is that if Phillip decided to attend, Kate would have slipped to the second balcony with Meghan and Mrs Germany.
      I expect this is the configuration we can expect for the couple of years.
      Precedence in the family is such fluid thing. There was time (late 90’s) when Sophie stood in the position HM took today as the most senior royal watching. Now she is on the “third” balcony.

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    2. Meghan est superbe et forte. Émouvante commémoration internationale plus profonde et détaillée que les précédentes.

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    3. Is it assumed that Harry/Meghan will be part of the group, just below William/Kate, for the foreseeable future? If Charles was King, would that move Meghan to the balcony with Camilla and Kate? Just don't know how these things work, being in the US. And if Fergie and Andrew remarried, might there be a threesome of Camilla, Kate, and Fergie, or would Meghan be first before Fergie?

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    4. Allison, there is order of succession and then order of precedence, which aren't necessarily the same thing. It looks as though a hybrid of order of precedence and order of succession rules in these ceremonies, at least for this one. Order of P.refers to closeness in relation to HMTQ, rather than only closeness to the heir. Her children and their spouses would rank before grandchildren and spouses. If you look at the order in the procession for the State visit, as I recall, Catherine is back a ways.
      The positioning of Catherine with Camilla and HM emphasizes the succession. If this protocol were being strictly followed, Meghan would rank just below Catherine until George grows up and takes a wife and/or Charlotte is old enough and her father is King.
      However, now we have Tim and Sophie being shown as spouses of HM's children, following order of precedence. If Andrew re-married, his wife would rank before Edward's when it comes to a balcony appearance.

      I think the idea of Sarah bumping Sophie off the balcony, at least metaphorically, would be a difficult concept for HM to contemplate. ;) They would simply have to build a new balcony. Similar to the feminist's building their own table.

      Otherwise, there is the choice of putting Anne's husband (a Queen in-law) with Meghan (a granddaughter-in law) or with Sophie, wife of third son. Or Sarah, wife of second son with Meghan. Or Sarah with Sophie.

      I think showing the continuity of the succession by the wives of the heirs standing together with the Queen made quite a statement this year. I just had a thought. Who was standing to the Queen's right? With one on either side there is no distinct indication of rank. Unlike when Camilla appeared alone with HM.

      I suspect that it will go back to Camilla with HM on the center balcony next year, if we are so fortunate in having the Queen with us then. Including the wife of the German President this year complicated the situation. Everything will work out just fine as long as A&S do not re-marry. And once Charles is King, Camilla and Catherine will stand together. I think the three queens thing was a one-off.
      Now I need to go back and study the order of wreath-laying. ;)

      I agree, Allison. It's complicated. I will say that it will be a hot day in London in December before we see Camilla, Catherine, and Sarah standing together on that balcony. Marriage or no. As I said, even with A&S married, if HM is Queen, it will likely be just the two--Camilla and HM. From there, things get a bit murky.

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  15. Thank you Charlotte for such a lovely and stirring post! As the daughter, sister and mother of men who have served I agree with Charles that we can't honor their brave sacrifices enough.

    On to fashion, Meghan has certainly nailed it this morning! I love the cap detail on the shoulder of her coat, I wonder if it extends to the back of the coat as well? I must say that this hat is my favorite so far! The pill box shape works so well with her facial structure and the fact that it's on the small side means that it doesn't become a focal point. In fact Meghan's whole look today is one of minimal and neat perfection.

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  16. It a Great, stilish look, abd an honour For Meghan to be on a balcony alobe with the First Lady if German. I think this speaks volume on the fact that each member of the rotal family has a gicen, specific role.

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  17. I also like the coat very much. She looks beautiful. I'm not sure if she's tired or perhaps emotional---this must be quite a ceremony, and being part of it would really emphasize what is being represented. She is doing her job well.

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  18. I realy like the look Meghan put together. It is simple, stylish and suit the occasion. (Except for the hat, which doesn’t work, but she is still new to the hat game)
    But I expect we will see even better Remembrance Sunday looks from her innthe future.

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  19. Meghan's glow is once again apparent. Looking at she and Harry both I wonder if they took a few days away upon their tour return. They both have a sun kissed tone to their skin, looking very healthy. Meghan to me appears to be filling out in her face, which is not out of the ordinary considering her pregnancy. She looks beautiful this morning. I keep reminding myself that she is still having first experiences in a new role as DoS. I hope we get to see the full look of her coat this evening and not a change of attire for both she and Kate. I must add also that HM is absolutely stunning in appearance especially the other evening at the concert. She took my breath away when I first saw her entering the hall. Simply amazing at her age.

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  20. Let us hope their sacrifices were not in vain and we do not have another war.

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  21. This look is not drawing too much detail but it is something I would have chosen. My jewelry tends to the small and I most likely would not chose a large hat either. It’s perfectly acceptable and she looks very suitable for her new station

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  22. Meghan looked lovely as usual. She did look tired though, not a criticism, just an acknowledgement that it's hard work growing a little human being. And it was very nice that she was with the German First Lady, I'm sure Meghan made her feel welcome and at ease even though it was a first for both ladies and a very somber ceremony.

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  23. This is a very moving service.
    I really like Meghan’s coat, but the hat seems a bit small? She looks pretty though and I like her hair up.

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  24. I don’t think Meghan will ever love hats. Her coat is simple and elegant. They found a poppy large enough to silence the grumbles, I hope.

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  25. The Duchess looks very elegant. The coat is lovely, I too love the cap on the shoulders. Her makeup is just right. She looks well groomed.

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  26. Not to take away from the solemnity of the occasion... but the pic of Meghan looking down, WOW EYELASHES. I wonder if she wears eyelash extensions? They're pretty common in the US, specially for hollywood. Or perhaps she has "regular" fake eyelashes that one can remove at the end of the day.

    Not a bad thing (I've noticed that sometimes people think enhancements like that make you "fake" so don't want to start those comments here!) - I've gotten them myself before, but the expense/upkeep gets old haha.

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    1. lol don't worry about the fake thing. Yeah they could be those eyelashes you can attach or really good curl enhancing mascara

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    2. I was thinking the same thing! I wouldn't be surprised if she were wearing falsies, especially if she felt she was looking tired without them, but they very well could be her own. Perhaps she uses a lash serum!

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    3. Hi EastCoast!! I read an interview with Meghan and she swears by Revitalash to get her killer lashes!

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    4. I often think she is wearing standard false eyelashes. She may also use an eyelash product to help lengthen and thicken her own lashes. The above image looks like she is wearing a standard pair of false lashes.

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  27. So happy to see Meghan at this event!!! And how poignant for the first lady of Germany to be in attendance. These remembrances are so moving. Meghan's hair looks great up and her makeup is so on point today -- the soft pinks go well with the darker shades of her clothes and are a nice, soft way to subtly brighten a late autumn day.

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  28. Meghan looks lovely.What's with the Daily Mail trying to tear her down. it's like they are out to take her down no matter what she does. she is a pregnant women have they no consideration. They are the worst kind of bullies. Today it'e her make up in comparison to Kate's. There are about four negative articles about the Duchess. I am so done with the Daily Mail. They are encouraging the crazies against this woman. And what has she done, but marry the man she loves.
    Charlotte you are a woman of principle and I applaud your decision not to allow such behaviour on you blog. Peace to all.

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    1. Yes it’s vile and racism is playing a huge role

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  29. I love this coat - the capped shoulder / sleeve seems to be the Givenchy look of the moment for her. It’s so elegant. Love it.

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  30. Maura, I don't think MM can do anything to avoid these vicious attacks. I remember made-up stories about Camilla attacking Kate in her first days of marriage, but it seems like the tabloids have taken over where MM's awful Markle family left off. There are a lot of hateful ignorant people in the world. No wonder they supposedly like heir quiet life in the country.

    I read a very nice story so I hope it is true---Michelle Obama is going to be in the UK around Dec 4 and is going to visit Harry/Meghan and the Clooneys. I think MM has met Barack but not Michelle. I'm sure that would be a great dinner party to attend!!!

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  31. Gotta say I think Harry looks really good in his black uniform. :)

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  32. Just my observation but the issue with the hat is that it’s not tall enough to balance out the width of her shoulders, she seem short waisted so I think he needs taller hats, her shoulders are a little boxy so a taller hat would do her wonders!!

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  33. Beautiful post I was moved to tears Charlotte Meghan looks nice so does Catherine thanks to all the men and women who served

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  34. I find that social media - the the KP official twitter and Instagram and also various “fan accounts” out there - are worse than the Daily Mail, and I didn’t even think that was possible.
    The things I’ve seen written about Meghan, Kate, Doria, Carole, and even the Queen are frankly appalling.

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